What is Tretinoin

Type

Brand Name

Treats

Similar Drugs

Tretinoin is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Tretinoin is used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (a type of blood cancer).

Tretinoin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not use if you are pregnant. You may need to have a pregnancy test every month during treatment.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to tretinoin or to other retinoids (such as Accutane, Retin-A, Renova).

This medicine can cause birth defects, miscarriage, premature birth, or death of a baby. Do not use tretinoin if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you miss a period or become pregnant during treatment. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment, and every month while taking tretinoin.

Tretinoin can make certain birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about the best method of birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking tretinoin. You must use effective birth control while you are taking tretinoin unless you have had a hysterectomy and no longer have a uterus. Use birth control even if you have been infertile (unable to have children) in the past, or if you have gone through menopause.

To make sure tretinoin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

high cholesterol;

liver disease; or

a history of blood clot or stroke.

It is not known whether tretinoin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Tretinoin Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with tretinoin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Tretinoin Dosage

Your doctor will perform a blood test to make sure you have the type of leukemia this medicine is used to treat.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

You may need to continue taking tretinoin for up to 90 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Copyright 1996-2015 Cerner Multum, Inc.

Latest Update: 3/18/2015, Version: 3.03

Tretinoin FAQ

Q: My doctor gave me Retin-A for my face. Can I use it on my neck and decolletage? And will it get rid of turkey-like neck?

A: Retin-A (tretinoin) is a vitamin A acid or retinoic acid derivative used for the treatment of skin conditions such as acne, fine wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and roughness of skin. It works by stimulating the production of collagen, increasing blood flow, and by increasing cell turnover. Retin-A is likely to cause some skin irritation when it is first started but the irritation should decrease with continued use. Retin-A will make the skin more sensitive to the sun so it is important to use sunscreen with at least SPF 15. Sunscreen is also very important to prevent more sun damage. Prescription medications should be used as directed by your doctor. If you wish to use it other than what is directed you should discuss it with your doctor first. For more specific information, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance based on your health status and current medications, particularly before taking any action. Laura Cable, PharmD

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Drugs A-Z provides drug information from Everyday Health and our partners, as well as ratings from our members, all in one place. Cerner Multum™ provides the data within some of the Basics, Side Effects, Interactions, and Dosage tabs. The information within the Reviews and FAQ tabs is proprietary to Everyday Health.

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